Written by Kimiko Dunbar
Spoon Feed
Screening pediatric patients for social needs during inpatient hospitalization is an effective way to provide resources if families are aware of the referrals being placed.
It doesn’t hurt to ask
While inpatient providers do not have longitudinal relationships with families, the prolonged time with patients and access to social workers provides an opportunity for social needs screening. This study evaluated the effectiveness of inpatient social needs referrals among caregivers of pediatric patients. Caregivers were screened for social needs by the medical team and provided with a paper printout of resources addressing their needs. Those who screened positive for 1 or more urgent needs, such as domestic violence, were referred to social work for a more comprehensive assessment. To assess efficacy, authors used a cross-sectional telephone-based survey completed between 1 month to 1 year after hospital discharge. 61% of caregivers responded, 50.2% of those connected to at least one resource, with 76% perceived to be helpful, and 60% resolving needs. Major barriers included unawareness of referrals, referrals that were not helpful, or referrals that were too time-consuming. Hispanic ethnicity was significantly associated with lower connection odds (OR 0.335, p=0.004), irrespective of preferred language. This study is limited by confounders, including ability of families to complete the follow-up survey, such as longer working hours, limited English proficiency, or financial instability changing contact information. Further, authors did not analyze the efficacy of social work consultation for those who required more intensive resource connection.
How will this change my practice?
Assuming screening protocols are in place (which they usually are at larger hospitals), I’m motivated to ensure all families participate in this process. Frankly, I’m unsure about how individual providers can address barriers to screening and improve resource utilization. Regardless, this is a good reminder that inpatient providers are responsible for addressing social needs, especially as they impact the reason for hospitalization (i.e. environmental conditions and asthma exacerbation).
Source
Impact of an Inpatient Social Needs Screening Program: Did Our Referral Resolve Your Need? Hosp Pediatr. 2024 Dec 1;14(12):1009-1016. doi: 10.1542/hpeds.2024-007895. PMID: 39529508
